Low Cost Net-to-Shape Fiber Preforms for Complex-Shaped CMCs. Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Topic No.: N05-096 Topic Title: Low Cost Net-to-Shape Fiber Preforms for Complex-Shaped CMCs. Proposal No.: N052-096-0098 Firm: MATECH Advanced Materials 31304 Via Colinas, Suite 102 Westlake Village, California 91362-3901 Contact: Heemann Yun Phone: (818) 991-8500 Web Site: www.matechgsm.com Abstract: As described in Navy SBIR Solicitation N05-096, there exists today a strong need for advanced preforming approaches to produce complex-shaped CMC cooled-turbine components for military engines. MATECH/GSM proposes to address this need by employing innovative low-cost preforming approaches using ""Net-to-Shape""TM non-woven architectures for those CMC components that require high structural performance as well as complex shape formability, such as turbines vanes, blades, and shrouds. MATECH proposes to demonstrate that both requirements can be achieved by the use of non-woven preforming approaches using MATECH's high-performance SiNC fibers combined with MATECH's "Net-to-Shape"TM fiber perform process. These non-woven methods will be demonstrated in CMC preforms and components using MATECH's high-performance Si-doped BN fiber coatings and MATECH's high-performance matrices formed by infiltration and pyrolysis of MATECH's SiNC matrix polymers. Benefits: In this NAVAIR/JSF Phase I SBIR proposal, MATECH proposes to demonstrate fabrication of low cost complex shaped ("Net-to-Shape"TM) SiNC CMC's. Demonstration articles will be representative of gas turbine engine components such as a vane and/or shroud. In this Phase 1 proposal we have brought in the support of key gas turbine engine contractors, Allison Advanced Development Company (AADC) and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines (P&W). P&W and AADC have committed to providing stereo lithography models of generic vane designs used for material evaluation. The process of melt blowing fibrous mat materials lends itself to producing low cost complex shapes and has the added capability of producing a tight radius not easily achievable using conventional continuous 2D fiber architectures. "Net-to-Shape"TM SiNC CMCs are a unique material combining high temperature capability, low cost production potential, more pseudo-isotropic properties, complex shape capability, and high creep/rupture resistance suitable for gas turbine engine applications. For this effort we will fabricate demonstration elements, such as a vane and/or shroud, and produce flat panels to determine composite thermo-structural data. Return